Holiday Gift Guide - Chuggington: Snow Rescue

Chuggington: Snow Rescue

The All-New Winter Collection

Arrives on DVD December 9, 2014

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Anchor Bay Entertainment and Ludorum are ringing in the holidays with the Dove Family approved CHUGGINGTON: Snow Rescue as it rides its way on DVD December 9, 2014! Embrace the spirit of the season with this all new festive winter adventure with beloved characters Wilson, Koko and Brewster. In the most wonderful time of the year, watch old and new friends go on a magical ride in these five specials filled with fun and heartfelt lessons enjoyable for kids and parents alike!

It's wintertime in Chuggington and the Chuggers are busy making preparations for the Parade of Lights Festival, adorning themselves in glowing colored lights for a special procession through Chuggington! But, when freezing fog traps Koko and a snowy avalanche derails Fletch, that’s when Wilson and the Chug Patrol team must set out on a wild winter rescue! This action-packed collection features five Chuggington specials, including the all-new Snow Rescue Special airing for the first time this fall on Disney Junior! With added bonuses including new character montages and coloring sheets, your own little Chugger will discover important lessons about safety, responsibility and teamwork.

A colorful and contemporary CGI-animated TV show from Ludorum, “Chuggington” reinforces early social readiness skills. The series airs daily on Disney Junior and recently made its Season 4 debut with the first-ever primetime “Chuggington” special, “Chug Patrol: Ready to Rescue.”


Episodes Included:
·  Snow Rescue Special
·  Iron Chuggers
·  Deputy Chug Patrollers
·  Movie Maker Brewster
·  Toot’s Tall Tale

Special Features:
·  Bonus Badge Quest Episode: Wilson Winter Feed
·  New Character Montages: Fletch, Cormac and Tyne
·  Coloring and Activity Sheets (DVD-ROM)



My Thoughts:

I have a two year old Chuggington fanatic! He goes crazy every time the show is on, he carries his toy trains around all the time, and he chugs his way around the house. So I had a feeling that he would really enjoy this DVD. When it arrived we settled in for some cozy tv time. We turned on the Christmas tree lights, put on a blanket, and took an adventure with Wilson, Koko, and Brewster.

I thought the Snow Rescue episode was very cute. It was fun to have a wintery wonderland to escape to. The episode was filled with adventure, team work, and winter fun. My son was totally into it and has asked to watch it multiple times since.

I have to say, having one of his favorite shows on DVD has come in handy. We can pop it in and head on over to Chuggington any time we want. And with such a great selection of episodes, we can be enjoying this DVD for quite some time to come. This is a hit with my Chuggington fan, so I would definitely recommend it for yours!

Holiday Gift Guide - Massage Envy

The holiday season is a beautiful time filled with friends, family, holiday music, shopping, wrapping and so much more! While we all enjoy the festivities.... we can also find ourselves stressed, tired, cold, and a little cranky. Let's face it... the holidays are a lot of work!

I have discovered a great way to make some time for myself and ease the aches and pains that come from my stress and constant running around! I spent 2 glorious hours at the Massage Envy location in Florham Park, NJ. From the moment I walked in to the bright, quiet reception area I could feel myself relax as I looked forward to the treatments awaiting me.

I was about to receive a 1 hour massage and a 1 hour facial. I was greeted cheerfully at the main desk where they checked me in and gave me a couple of forms to fill out. On these forms I was able to make note of any areas that I wanted to focus on, areas to avoid, how much pressure I wanted, and more. It was thorough without being too lengthy.

Once I was done I was taken on a quick tour to give a feel for the room I would be in. Since I was having two treatments done I was put in a dual service room that has a sink. This was really nice because it meant that I didn't have to change rooms. They explained how the beds were heated (ahhh, love it!) and the music, lights, and bed temperature could all be adjusted at my request. It was nice to know all of that up front so that when I was getting settled I knew what could be adjusted.

I then sat down to go over my form to make sure they knew everything they needed to know to make my experience the most enjoyable and beneficial. Then the fun part... my massage and facial!

My therapist was incredible knowledgeable and thoughtful She checked in several times to make sure the pressure she was using was just right and that everything was how I wanted it. She totally put me at ease and made the experience very enjoyable. When she was done with the massage she was able to fill me in on where my trouble spots are and how often she would recommend I come in to manage my concerns and any concerns she came across.

The facial was an eye opening experience for me. My therapist talked to me in depth about my daily routine for my face and what kind of skin I had. She gave me tips and tricks to help me improve on the health and overall appearance of my skin. She made a note of what products she used and why. This way I could purchase anything I wanted to incorporate at home right at the front desk.

I had a fabulous experience at Massage Envy. From start to finish the staff made me feel comfortable. My therapist knew her stuff and left me feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to take on the rest of my day! I have since made some major changes to my skin care routine, as per her recommendations, and have seen dramatic changes. I feel like my skin is more hydrated and even then it was before. I will definitely be returning to take care of my stress and skin.

Massage Envy is the perfect holiday gift for someone else....or for yourself! And if you are in the New Jersey region you can take advantage of this fantastic holiday deal.... purchase a $100 gift card and receive a complimentary 1/2 hour upgrade!

My mother-in-law got me a Massage Envy gift card once and it was the best gift! It was easy to use and made for a perfect day out for me! With two kids... me time is hard to come by!

* I received complimentary services in order to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Holiday Gift Guide - World Vision Gift Catalog

Tis the season to be giving! I am trying to teach my children that giving is better than receiving. There are so many wonderful ways to give during the holiday season... but World Vision is a unique and special way to give to the ones you love while also giving to those in need.

The World Vision Gift Catalog is filled with unique gift ideas that will make a difference around the world. Did you know that about 400 million children in the world under the age of 13 live in extreme poverty? This statistic is very upsetting, but there are things that we can do to help.... "This Christmas shoppers can help fight poverty by improving the lives of children with life-saving gifts from the 2014 World Vision Catalog."

You can give a child a backpack filled with essential school supplies, gift a goat that will provide milk to a family in need, donate to disaster relief and more. Or you can shop from the unique handcrafted gifts.

You can purchase jewelry, fair-trade coffee, purses, scarves and more. Check out these gorgeous serving spoons....

By purchasing these serving spoons you are directly helping orphans of the Kamba tribe in Kenya. "Each one is unique - just like the children they help." What an amazing way to give gifts and help others.

World Vision makes it easy to make donations towards specific needs and/or purchase handcrafted gifts.  Each item has a complete description on how you are helping others. This is the 19th year that World Vision has had a Gift Catalog. The gifts range in price, but they are holiday budget friendly with over 30 gifts that are $35 or less.

You can learn more at the World Vision Website. Take a look and see if there is a cause or item that speaks to you this holiday season.

* I received a promotional item in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Holiday Gift Guide - Softsoap Limited Edition Body Washes

I love getting into the holiday spirit any way I can. And this year I was able to add amazing body wash into my holiday routine. Soaftsoap has introduced 3 amazing limited edition scents for us all to enjoy this holiday season. 

Each one offers it's own unique and refreshing scent, all while keeping your skin hydrated and feeling soft during the harshest time of year. The cold weather has come in where I live and I am loving the fact that my skin feels great after using this body wash!

Softsoap® brand  Alpine Mint Frost
Lose yourself in the beauty of winter with Softsoap® brand limited edition Alpine Mint Frost body wash. Its revitalizing scent of Cool Winter Mint will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth all winter long.

Softsoap® brand Parisian Berry Bliss
Celebrate the spirit of the season with Softsoap® brand limited edition Parisian Berry Bliss body wash. This moisturizing formula leaves skin feeling soft and smooth, while the festive scent of red winter berries leaves you ready to enjoy winter.

Softsoap® brand Venetian Vanilla Spice
Embrace the magic of the winter season with Softsoap® brand limited edition Venetian Vanilla Spice body wash. Let the invigorating scent of Sweet Vanilla & Spices infuse your shower to leave you with soft and smoother skin all winter long.

My favorite is the Parisian Berry Bliss, but I have to say they are all fantastic! This would make the perfect stocking stuffers... or a little holiday treat for yourself! I highly recommend checking these limited edition scents out before they are gone.

Available for a limited time at Walmart from October until December 2014

* I received free products in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Holiday Gift Guide - Chuggington: Snow Rescue on DVD December 9th

I have a huge Chuggington fan at home... so I know this will be a hit in our house!

 On December 9th, Chuggington: Snow Rescue is traveling home to 

DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment and Ludorum! 

This all new winter collection is a must-have for your little conductor this holiday season!

And be sure to check out the fun activities!

Holiday GIVEAWAY - Frozen Sing-Along DVD

I am so excited to bring you one of the hottest gifts this holiday season! 

And you can enter to win it right here on Momma Drama!

Available NOW on DVD!

Experience Frozen, the hit musical comedy from Walt Disney Animation Studios, like never before in a new to DVD, full-length Sing-Along Edition! Follow the lyrics with a bouncing Frozen snowflake. Join Anna as she sets off on an epic journey – teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and a snowman named Olaf – to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. It’s pure enchantment – and full of fun for the whole family!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Books from Sterling Children's Books!

I love to give books as gifts during the holiday season. They provide children with adventures and excitement while encouraging a love for reading. In our house, we keep a giant basket out all year. I fill it with books that are specific to the holiday or season. Then when it's time to pick a bedtime story the kids can pick a favorite from their bookshelves or a special book from the basket. At Christmas time that basket is overflowing! We have so many magical books about the holiday season.... and we love each one. Adding to that basket each year is so important to me. New stories, new adventures, and new memories to be made as we share these beautiful books!

This year, Sterling Children's Books has helped me add some truly fabulous books to our holiday basket! Check out the newest holiday titles and be sure to add them to your collection or share them with a special child in your life.

A Pirate's Night Before Christmas

Philip Yates

illustrated by Sebastia Serra

Come aboard, young mateys, for a humorous, colorful, and thoroughly piratical retelling of "The Night Before Christmas!" On a ship of mischievous brigands, you wouldn't expect a visit from jolly St. Nick. Instead, here comes Sir Peggedy driving eight giant sea horses.

My Thoughts:

This book is so clever! The sing-songy rhyme of "The Night Before Christmas" inspires this silly tale of pirates preparing for the big arrival of Sir Peggady. While it's filled with pirate language and humor, and rolls smoothly off your tongue, perhaps the best part of this book is in the illustrations! Each page is filled with a colorful and bright look into the pirate world. My kids loved looking closely at each illustration and pointing out all the clever and whimsical things going on in this magical world. 

When, When, When Will it Be Christmas?

Cathy MacLennan

Come celebrate with this festive picture book from Cathy MacLennan. It's all dressed up in bright Christmas colors and filled with rhythm and rhyme to create the happiest holiday experience. 

My Thoughts:

In my house, getting ready for Christmas is a big deal. The weekend after Thanksgiving really gives us the kick off with decorating the house and putting up the tree. From that point on the house is filled with the scents from Christmas candles, to the sounds of Christmas music, to the cuddly nights by the fire with a Christmas movie on. Oh, and of course, bedtime Christmas stories! 

This new book will fit right in with our holiday glee. We have a little guy... almost 2... who is just beginning to understand the wonder and excitement of the holiday season. This is the perfect book to share with him this season. The rhyming rhythm takes us through all the exciting ways to get ready for the big day. It helps children learn and identify colors as the preparations go on. It's truly adorable and fun!

The Great Reindeer Rebellion

Lisa Trumbauer

illustrated by Jannie Ho

Oh, no! There's trouble brewing in the  North Pole: Santa's reindeer have gone on strike and he's auditioning other animals to take their place. But when the cats abandon station to chase some mice and the elephants fall through the roof, what's Santa to do?

My Thoughts:

Another clever story that is told in rhyme and sure to have your children engaged and entertained! I shared this book with my 5 year old daughter. It opened up some conversation as she didn't know what a "strike" was. She was laughing at each audition! I would ask her why she thought a certain animal wouldn't work for pulling Santa's sleigh and what animals she thought would be good at it. It was so fun to see her being creative and engaged in a silly, fun story. This is a great book for the holiday season!

The Night Before Christmas

Clement C. Moore

illustrated by Tom Browning

For decades families have gathered together to read Clement C. Moore's enchanting holiday poem. Featuring beautiful original illustrations by award-winning artist Tom Browning, this stunning edition stands apart from the rest.

My Thoughts:

Well, what can you say about a classic? This book is a must-own. We read this poem every year on Christmas Eve as we snuggle in our Christmas pajamas and get ready for sugar plums to dance in our heads. Now we have this gorgeous book with amazing illustrations to treasure as a family. This will be a family favorite for years to come!

Be sure to look for these fantastic holiday books this season to enjoy with your little ones!

*I received these books in order to write honest reviews. All opinions expressed are my own.

Holiday Gift Guide!

Tis the season to be giving! I am so excited to bring you the annual Momma Drama Gift Guide! With the biggest holiday shopping weekend coming up in just about a week, I want to give you a great start. I will be bringing you some fabulous gift ideas to get you headed in the right direction. There will be things for kids and adults... plus some great giveaways! So be sure to check back to see what's new in the Momma Drama Holiday Gift Guide! Happy Shopping!

LifebankUSA Peace of Mind Contest!

I am excited to share some potentially life saving information with you from LifebankUSA.

ABOUT LIFEBANKUSA

Placenta tissue banking is a potential game changer in regenerative medicine. 

LifebankUSA, owned by Celgene Corporation, is the only cord blood bank processing material for FDA-approved clinical trials using stem cells from placental tissue. These stem cells are being used to treat patients with serious conditions, including diabetic foot ulcers. LifebankUSA preserves your baby’s placental tissue using the same steps taken for processing stem cells for our FDA-approved clinical trials. No other cord blood company can claim that. Tissue banking is simply one additional layer of protection and peace of mind for you and your family offered by LifebankUSA. †

†Clients will be responsible for the cost of shipping the tissue and any culturing or expansion of the cells.

As you know, the stem cells in cord blood have transformative potential and have been used to treat over 30,000 patients worldwide. It’s been shown that using a higher number of stem cells in a transplant leads to better engraftment and survival. Did you know that you can preserve significantly MORE of your baby’s stem cells by adding placenta blood banking to your cord blood collection?

Banking the most stem cells can be critical and only through banking both cord and placenta blood do you have this opportunity. Numerous studies published in top medical journals have shown that transplanting more stem cells significantly increases success and transplant survival rates. In fact, customers who bank placenta blood in addition to cord blood with LifebankUSA preserve 60%-70% more CD34+ stem cells – the cells that are the most important for rebuilding diseased blood with healthy blood.

Only LifebankUSA has the proprietary technology to offer placenta blood banking with cord blood banking to expectant parents. We are also the only company in the world to release placenta stem cell units for transplant.

Your child is being born into a world of extraordinary possibilities that include the enormous potential of stem cell banking. Make the most of this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity by choosing LifebankUSA and add placenta blood banking to your cord blood collection, for a very real, proven layer of protection for you and your family.

"LifebankUSA is a pioneer in placenta-stem cell technology. Our stem cell banking program meets and exceeds the highest standards in the industry-and we are the only company that can provide access to technology that allows you to boost the number of cells you can recover after birth." 

- Robert Hariri, MD, PhD

CEO and Founder of LifebankUSA

LifebankUSA is truly looking invested in the health of babies everywhere. But it doesn't end at birth. LifebankUSA is trying to give you "Peace of Mind" with a fantastic new contest. By entering their Facebook contest you have the chance to win one of three Graco 4ever 4-in-1 Car Seats!

I think these car seats look amazing! And as a mommy to two little ones... car seat safety is so important to me. This is definitely one contest you do not want to miss.

Click HERE to enter today! Good Luck! And be sure to check out LifebackUSA and all of the amazing options for new parents.

* This is a sponsored post.

SUPERPRETZEL - New Bavarian Soft Pretzel Rolls and Sticks

SUPERPRETZEL® Bavarian Soft Pretzel Rolls and Sticks are 

Old World style soft pretzel breads made with premium ingredients.

These restaurant style soft pretzel sticks and rolls are versatile, fully baked, and ready from the microwave in seconds. They’re the perfect side to any soup, salad, or entree. 

My family recently had the opportunity to check out these new Bavarian Soft Pretzel Rolls and Sticks from SUPERPRETZEL. We are all big pretzel fans, especially of big,soft, warm pretzels. So this sounded like something we would really like. When they arrived and I saw the packaging I got really excited because they looked amazing on the bag!

So I went to check out how to make them and saw that they could be microwaved. Ok, that sounds easy! So I sprinkled a little water on them and used the salt included in the bag to add some salt. Popped them in the microwave for 30 seconds and they were ready.

Taste test time! Wow, I was impressed! I figured that coming from the microwave something would be off. Either the insides would still be cold or the outsides would get hard and tough. Nope, they came out soft, warm and delicious! My entire family absolutely loved them! These are the easiest, tastiest little rolls and sticks that add so much to a meal. I will be on the lookout for these at my local grocery store!

Learn more on the website: http://superpretzel.com/products.php#bavarianroll  and http://superpretzel.com/products.php#bavarianstick. You can also check them out on Facebook.

* I received free products in order to write an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Snowman's Story - Book Tour

Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand

I am so excited to share this new book with you. It is truly magical in so many ways. Perhaps the most evident is that this story doesn't have any words. The illustrations are so beautiful and expressive that the story literally leaps off the pages and allows the reader to tell the tale. We have been working with my daughter on learning to read, and one of the lessons we are teaching her is to use the pictures. Pictures truly can tell entire stories and this book is just that. 

This story tell the beautiful tale of a new snowman whose forest friends help bring to life. He then shares a story with his friends, which they all just love! The snowman then falls asleep for the night and a little rabbit runs off with the book! The snowman and his animal friends chase the rabbit, working together to figure out how to get to him. But what they find when they find the bunny is just a very sweet surprise. 

Our family truly enjoyed settling in to share the Snowman's Story. The book is filled with beautiful, expressive illustrations that take you away to the wintery land. I know this will be a favorite for our family for many years to come. My daughter loved imagining what the snowman and animals were thinking, feeling, and saying. It allows for you to be creative and looking more closely at the illustrations.

I would highly recommend this book for the upcoming winter season. There is nothing cozier then cuddling up with a beautiful story, a warm blanket, and the people you love!

About the Illustrator

Will Hillenbrand has illustrated many beloved picture books, including Kiss the Cow by Phyllis Root; and Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep!, and Sneeze, Big Bear, Sneeze! by Maureen Wright. He has also written and illustrated a number of picture books, including Down by the Barn, the Bear and Mole series, and Mother Goose Picture Puzzles. Will enjoys visiting schools to talk about the creative process involved in making a picture book. He lives with his wife, Jane, and their son, Ian, in Terrace Park, Ohio. For more information, visit his website: http://www.willhillenbrand.com.

Be sure to continue along on this book tour by visiting Booking Mama for our next stop! Download this free game to help the Snowman find his story. And you can share this fun coloring sheet with the kids so they can help bring the snowman to life.

* I received a copy of this book in order to participate in this book tour and provide an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Planes: Fire and Rescue

THE PLANES ARE BACK IN THE YEAR’S ULTIMATE

HIGH-FLYING COMEDY ADVENTURE!

DISNEY’S “PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE”

Landing on Disney Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere,

DVD & On-Demand Nov. 4, 2014!

~ Includes All-New Exclusive Animated Short “Vitaminamulch: Air Spectacular” and More! ~

BURBANK, Calif. September 12, 2014 — Disney’s Planes are back in the high-flying comedy adventure “PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE,” landing on Disney Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand platforms Nov. 4, 2014. In this heart-pumping, laugh-filled follow-up to last year’s smash hit “PLANES,” world famous racer Dusty Crophopper joins an elite fire and rescue unit and learns what it takes to be a true hero. Featuring non-stop action, memorable characters and never-before-seen bonus features, “PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE” is this fall’s must-own animated family film!

After flying to the top of the box office this summer as the #1 animated movie in America three weeks in a row, “PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE” soars to spectacular new heights on Blu-ray and Digital HD, featuring wondrous high definition picture and sound, plus thrilling bonus features, including the all-new exclusive short “Vitaminamulch: Air Spectacular;” the mock-umentary promotional piece "Welcome to Piston Peak;” “CHoPs” TV Promo and “Air Attack:  Firefighters From The Sky,” an exciting inside look at the making of the film featuring real-life smoke jumpers and firefighters. Additional bonus features include Spencer Lee’s "Still I Fly" music video, deleted scenes with filmmaker introductions, and two “PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE” shorts: “Dipper” and “Smokejumpers.” Exclusively available on Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) are the bonus shorts “Blade Ranger” and “Piston Peak.”



“PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE” is fueled by a star-studded voice cast that includes Dane Cook (“Planes”) as Dusty, Julie Bowen (“Modern Family”) as Dipper, Ed Harris (“Gravity”) as Blade Ranger, Captain Dale Dye (“Saving Private Ryan”) as Cabbie, Cedric the Entertainer (“Ice Age”) as Leadbottom, Erik Estrada (“CHiPs”) as Nick “Loopin” Lopez, Brad Garrett (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) as Chug, Teri Hatcher (“Desperate Housewives”) as Dottie, John Michael Higgins (“Pitch Perfect”) as Cad, Hal Holbrook (“Into the Wild”) as Mayday, Stacy Keach (“Planes”) as Skipper, Regina King (“Ray”) as Dynamite, Anne Meara (“Night at the Museum) as Winnie, Jerry Stiller (“The King of Queens”) as Harvey and Wes Studi (“Avatar”) as Windlifter. It was directed by Roberts Gannaway (“Secret of the Wings”) and produced by Ferrell Barron (“The Fox and the Hound 2”).

My Thoughts:
I have two kids... a little girl who is 5 and a little boy is is quickly creeping up on 2. Finding things that keep them both entertained is about as easy as finding a needle in a haystack. So orchestrating family movie night is tough. Usually we will have one kid totally enthralled... and the other one will be running around with zero interest. We've gotten lucky a few times... but this scene plays out more often than not.

With this new DVD, I figured we would be pleasing my son and my daughter would be twirling around in front of the TV in a princess dress. I was pleasantly surprised! Both kids were totally interested and laughing through the whole thing. My daughter loved Dipper and her relationship with Dusty... while my son thought Dusty was so cool!

My kids are excited now to share this movie with their Papa. My dad is a volunteer fireman, so they are sure that he will love watching all of the excitement as these cool planes race to the rescue and work together to fight fires. I liked how this movie picked up with our old favorite, Dusty, as he explores a new way of life....flying high above the forest fires. After the movie was over they were running around with fire hats on. arms wide open as planes, fighting fires all around! So fun!

The movie is filled with fun characters, humor, adventure,  and great music.  It was the perfect family movie night film to keep everyone happy... including mom and dad! I would highly recommend you check it out with your family.

My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks

THE NEW FULL-LENGTH FILM

MY LITTLE PONY EQUESTRIA GIRLS: RAINBOW ROCKS

TO BE RELEASED ON BLU-RAY AND DVD

OCTOBER 28, 2014

Los Angeles, CA – There’s a brand new full-length film in the ever-popular My Little Pony canon. Following a theatrical run in the fall of 2014, where the film opened with enthusiastic reviews to packed crowds in over 400 theaters, My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks will be released October 28 in the U.S. and Canada from Shout! Factory Kids, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios, as a single-disc DVD, and in a Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo. Bonus features include an Audio Commentary, 8 Prequel Shorts and Sing-Alongs.

In My Little Pony Equestria Girls, released in fall 2013, Twilight Sparkle’s crown was stolen from the Crystal Empire, and she pursued the thief, Sunset Shimmer, into an alternate world where she finds herself turned into…a teenage girl! To regain her crown and return to Equestria, Twilight had to learn how to fit into this strange, new world and defeat Sunset Shimmer in a competition to become crowned Princess of the Fall Formal at Canterlot High.

Now, the girls of Canterlot High are back, and this time they’re rocking guitars! In My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks, Canterlot High (CHS) is hosting a musical showcase, and Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy are going to be performing with their new band, The Rainbooms. But when The Dazzlings, a new girl group, arrive at CHS and convince everyone to turn the friendly showcase into a Battle of the Bands, tensions mount between the competing musical acts. A now-reformed Sunset Shimmer realizes that The Dazzlings may not be ordinary girls and are after something far more sinister than just being named Best Band at Canterlot High. The Rainbooms call on Princess Twilight to restore harmony to their world to help them perform a musical counter-spell so that they can win a battle that now determines the fate of the entire school.

My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com, ShoutFactory.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com, and will be in stores everywhere October 28.
For more information on My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks, please visit www.mlpeg.com.



My Thoughts:
My 5 year old daughter is a HUGE My Little Pony fan. We have been catching episodes on TV whenever we can. When My Little Pony: Equestria Girls first came out it quickly became a favorite. We saved it on our DVR but were thrilled to be able to snag it on DVD so we knew we had it. When I heard that the girls of Canterlot High were back.... I knew this was a cannot miss for my little girl!

My predictions were right. My daughter was totally mesmerized by this full-length film. While she loves all the characters, Rainbow Dash is her absolute favorite. She was cheering the Rainbooms on as they rocked their way to to saving the day! I, personally, favor Twilight Sparkle (maybe because I think her dragon, Spike, is awesome). So I was nervous for her as she worked to create the perfect counter-spell.

This movie is filled with our favorite characters, great music, adventure, excitement, and more. It's a great one to watch with your My Little Pony fan!

Staying Snug and Dry with Huggies and Target! #MC #Sponsored

* I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central for Huggies and Target. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

I am on my second baby in diapers... so my life has been filled with diapers for several years now. Buying them has become a routine... and expensive... part of my life. Since I shop at Target very frequently for a variety of things, it makes sense to purchase my diapers there. So the other day we went on a mission to find Huggies Snug and dry Diapers and Huggies Natural Care Wipes. Even with all the diapers I have put on in mu life, I have never tried Huggies Snug and Dry or the Natural Care Wipes, so this was an exciting mission!

My local Target does a great job of putting up giant signs for each department, so even if you weren't a frequent Target shopper like I am you would still easily find the baby department. And once you are there you are greeted by an entire aisle dedicated to all your diapering needs! And the Huggies Snug and Dry and Natural Care Wipes were well represented in the aisle.

The shelves were stocked and they had a variety of boxes and packages with different amounts of diapers and in sizes 1-6. So I grabbed a nice big box for our house and a smaller package to send over to grandma's since we try to keep stocked up on diapers over there, too. Then we grabbed some Huggies Natural Care Wipes, did a bunch more shopping, and checked out. We were in and out in 30 minutes and got everything on our list. Gotta love Target!

So this shopping trip worked out perfectly, but Target has another option for getting your diapers that just may change your life. Target has a new subscription program where you can have your diapers and wipes delivered right to your doorstep. You even get to set how often you need them and they ship automatically. This is such a great program for busy moms!

Well, now that the shopping was done it was time to try out the diapers and wipes. My son has always had pretty sensitive skin and even suffered from baby acne and eczema when he was very tiny. Fortunately, his skin has cleared up, but we continue to watch it and use a special moisturizer. So whenever I try a new product I am on the lookout for any breakouts or irritations on his skin. I was feeling pretty confident going into this because Huggies is aware of baby's sensitive skin and created these Snug and Dry diapers with a *SureFit design to keep that diaper on snugly and moving with them (boy do I have an active mover on my hands!) while providing up to 12 hours of leak-free protection. All sounds good... but we needed to put it to the test.

My little guy was more than happy to test out these new diapers because they feature his favorite guy... Mickey Mouse! And the wipes were thick enough that I felt like I was getting him really clean, but they were also surprisingly soft. And of course I love the fact that the wipes use natural ingredients, so I've been using them for cleaning hands and faces too! I felt pretty confident after using the wipes and putting on the new diaper.

He was ready to rock and roll! We have now been using these diapers and wipes for several days and his skin has been soft and irritation free. We haven't had any leaks and he's still getting excited every time we take Mickey out for a diaper change! I am very pleased with our new adventure into Huggies Snug and Dry diapers and Natural Care Wipes.

Of course, as all moms know, diapers aren't cheap... but you gotta have them So take advantage of this great coupon to snag some Huggies at your local Target!

NEW Purex Crystals Aromatherapy

I am sure that many of you can agree that laundry is a thankless, endless job. Every time I get a load done I find more in the laundry basket. It's a never ending chore that has to be done. And in this house I am the lucky one that gets to do it. Luckily, Purex keeps coming up with fantastic products that help make doing laundry a bit more enjoyable!

The newest Purex product basically has my name written on it... Purex Crystals Aromatherapy. Ahhh, that is so up my alley as I LOVE fabulous scents that help to bring about calm feelings. I truly believe in aromatherapy and even use lavender spray every night on my pillow to help me fall into a relaxing sleep. So the idea of sending some of these fantastic scents into my laundry and AMAZING!

There are three scents that are blended with essential oils to choose from - Energy, Well Being, and Serenity. I want to try them all! But for this review they were kind enough to read my tired mommy mind and sent me some Energy.

I popped this open, took a sniff, and fell in love. The citrus scent was invigorating and soothing. I couldn't wait to pour these little bits of magic in with my dirty clothes and bring them back to life in a whole new way!

So these tiny little crystals simply get tossed in with your clothing, towels, anything you wanna send for a wild ride in the washing machine. Then, while being swirled around with your water and detergent something happens. I can't tell you what it is. It's like they send out sunbursts and rainbows that get absorbed by your clothes and everything comes out sunnier. Yes, the clothing and towels were sunnier because they smelled fresher, brighter, happier! I know.. that seems weird but it's true.

The Purex Crystals Aromatherapy have now found their place in my laundry routine. They are a crucial part of the process because they bring the soothing scents into my daily life with their long lasting effects. I really think you should try them... and let me know what you think!

I am going to help one of my lucky readers have the chance to try them by giving away a FREE coupon. Yay! Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals Aromatherapy in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed are my own.

Monsters University: Party Central - Disney Movies Anywhere

Join a monster of a party with the Disney Movies Anywhere premiere of PARTY CENTRAL.  The Disney•Pixar short is now available to view for free for the first time, and reunites everyone’s favorite monsters, Mike and Sulley, for another hilarious adventure.  Download the Disney Movies Anywhere app for iPhone or iPad to watch Party Central now, for a limited time!



Featuring Billy Crystal as Mike, John Goodman as Sulley and directed by Pixar's Kelsey Mann, Party Central features Mike and Sulley's return to Monsters University for a fun-filled weekend with their Oozma Kappa fraternity brothers. The gang is throwing their first party, but no one’s showing up. Luckily for them, Mike and Sulley have come with a plan to make sure “Party Central” is the most epic party the school has ever seen.

Go to Disney Movies Anywhere to find out more about collecting, watching, and taking your favorite Disney, Pixar and Marvel movies anywhere you go! Visit www.disneymoviesanywhere.com or download the app at http://di.sn/hvV

Chuggington: Snow Rescue

Arrives on DVD December 9,  2014

If you have a big Chuggington fan like I do... then you will

want to scoop this DVD up just in time for the holidays!

It's wintertime in Chuggington and the Chuggers are busy making preparations for the Parade of Lights Festival, adorning themselves in glowing colored lights for a special procession through Chuggington! But, when freezing fog traps Koko and a snowy avalanche derails Fletch, that’s when Wilson and the Chug Patrol team must set out on a wild winter rescue! This action-packed collection features five Chuggington specials, including the all-new Snow Rescue Special airing for the first time this fall on Disney Junior! With added bonuses including new character montages and coloring sheets, your own little Chugger will discover important lessons about safety, responsibility and teamwork.

Sleeping Beauty - Diamond Editon

Beauty Awakens for the First Time on Diamond Edition Blu-ray™,

Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere October 7, 2014!

All-New Magical Bonus Features Includes 3 Never Before Seen Deleted Scenes and more!

BURBANK, Calif. May 9, 2014 – Finally releasing from the Disney Vault, Disney's ultimate princess fairytale classic “Sleeping Beauty” will be available for the first time on Diamond Edition Blu-ray, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on October 7, 2014. Experience all of the pageantry and power of this wondrous tale on Blu-ray - and for the first time on Digital HD - with incredible high definition picture, thrilling, soaring sound, and all-new Diamond Edition special features that make this a must-own for every family’s classic collection!

Creating the ultimate at-home viewing experience, Disney’s 2-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray Superset (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) contains digitally restored picture and sound, a digital copy of the film, and a variety of magical new bonus features, including “Once Upon A Parade,” in which “Modern Family” star Sarah Hyland tells us the tale of Walt Disney World’s new Festival Of Fantasy Parade, “Art of Evil: Generations Of Disney Villains,” a legacy piece spotlighting Disney’s favorite villain animator and Maleficent creator Marc Davis, and “@DisneyAnimation: Artists in Motion,” in which Walt Disney Animation Visual Development artist Brittney Lee goes through the process of creating a three dimensional sculpture of Maleficent, completely out of paper.

Additional all-new bonus features include never-before-seen deleted scenes “The Fair” (with Deleted Character The Vulture,) “The Curse is Fulfilled” and “Arrival Of Maleficent,” plus the Beauty-Oke sing-along to “Once Upon A Dream.” The Blu-ray Superset also includes classic DVD bonus features and more!




My Thoughts:
Disney has brought so many classics into our lives... and Sleeping Beauty is definitely one of those classics. Growing up we watched Sleeping beauty often, as it was my mom's favorite Disney movie. It is filled with magic, adventure, danger, and love. It is one to share with your family over and over again.

My daughter had already seen Sleeping Beauty, but she was thrilled when this brand new Diamond Edition arrived so that we could add it to our movie collection. So over the weekend we all settled in for a family movie night featuring this film.

My daughter, of course, loves Aurora. But she also really enjoys the 3 fairies who watch over Aurora. My husband and I both favor Maleficent. She may be evil, but she is so good at being evil! She is filled with so much magic that you are just drawn into her character and personality. For my husband, she also brings all the action and excitement to an otherwise very romantic story.

My daughter met Aurora in Epcot this year and was totally star-struck!

This movie truly has something for everyone. It made everyone in our house happy, even my son who is only 22 months was fascinated by the dragon! It's a fun family movie night pick, and a Disney classic that will live on in the hearts of children and adults for generations to come. Don't miss your chance to capture this classic in this fantastic Diamond Edition with so many extras packed in!

* I received a free copy of this movie for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Get Ready For Halloween with My Little Pony!

And be sure to look for My Little Pony: Spooktacular Pony Tales on DVD!

Bramble and Maggie - Early Reader Series

My oldest is a kindergartner this year! It's a little sad that she is so big, but it's also so amazing to see how excited she is to learn. She has settled into her new position very nicely and loves to come home and tell me all the things she is learning and doing in school. She is even excited to do homework!

Part of her homework is to read with a parent every night for about 20 minutes. So my husband and I decided that this is a great time in her life to introduce some early readers, so that she can start following a story over the course of several days. So I was really excited to learn about an early reader series that sounded just like something she would love, Bramble and Maggie.

This series focuses on a horse-crazy girl, Maggie, and a stubborn, yet lovable horse, Bramble. The first book introduces us to these fun characters and how they come to find each other and create a real bond. My daughter was really able to relate to Maggie, as they share a love for horses. And she found Brambles personality to be silly and funny.

This is my daughter taking care of her favorite horse, Minnie.

The next two books follow Bramble and Maggie on new adventures in Give and Take; which is a fantastic story for children my daughter's age to learn about how you don't always have to want to do what your friends want to do but it's important to work together and give and take, and Spooky Season; which was my daughter's favorite book because it's Halloween season and she loves all things spooky!

The newest book takes place just before Halloween, and Bramble gets a little frisky at the sights and sounds--is the scarecrow real? What is the crunchy sound the leaves make? When Halloween comes, can Maggie trust Bramble to brave the tricks and lead them both safely to the treats?

I would highly recommend this fun early reader series for the new readers in your life. The books have such a nice flow and keep the readers engaged and interested. Not to mention that they have fantastic full-color illustrations to help bring the story to life! I really enjoyed reading these stories with my daughter and having a fun bonding time.

You can also check out Jessie Haas's website where you will find a free curriculum guide for all three books. This free resource can help you make the most out of your reading time and support reading comprehension and more!

* I received copies of the books for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.